From online job boards, career fairs, on-campus information sessions, and more, the Career Education Center provides a variety of recruiting options to allow you to connect with our students and alumni.

The transition from college to career is a giant step in your student's life. The Career Education Center is here to support your student so that she makes informed and meaningful career decisions, both now and in the future.

Prepare to Interview

Introduction

Interviewing is a skill that you can learn. Reviewing the resources provided in this section of the Career Toolkit will assist you.

If you are invited for an interview you are already seen as a qualified candidate, so the interview is your chance to further convince an employer that you would be a valuable asset to the organization. Consequently, your performance in an interview will be the deciding factor in earning you a job offer. Research, preparation, and practice are the keys to a successful outcome.

Types of Interviews

The type of interview will vary. It may be an initial screening interview in human resources, or a personal one-on-one interview conducted by the hiring manager. If you are called back you may have a second or third round interview. Other types include series interviews, involving separate meetings with several people in the organization, or a panel interview, conducted by several people at one time. Job offers are seldom made after just one interview so you may experience several different types. Keep in mind that each new person you see is meeting you for the first time and in most cases hasn't been briefed on the information you've shared with others.

Before the Interview

Three Steps to Success: Research, Preparation, Practice

Research

The first step in preparing for an interview is to learn as much as you can about the organization, the job, and the interviewer. Check out the organization's website, their social media presence such as a LinkedIn or Facebook page, and Google the organization's name for any recent news articles. Use your personal network and talk to people to gather additional information.

Buzzfile.edu is the most comprehensive employers-by-major resource available to colleges and universities. Students can discover, research, and network with thousands of potential employers for 150+ majors. Click on the links to discover, filter and sort thousands of relevant employers.

Glassdoor Search millions of jobs and get the inside scoop on companies with employee reviews, personalized salary tools, and more

Preparation

The next step to ensure your interview success is to anticipate questions and prepare to answer them. By preparing ideas in advance you'll avoid fumbling for answers during the interview. Instead, you'll come across as poised, focused, and confident!

Review the CEC article Frequently Asked Interview Questions for sample traditional interview questions and What Are Behavioral Interview Questions? for tips on how to answer different types of questions.

Another essential step is to prepare questions that you will ask during the interview. Most interviewers will ask if you have any questions for them and they expect that you will have some! Asking questions demonstrates your sincere interest in the position. Also, the questions that you develop are a tool for gathering the information you need to make a decision. Questions such as, "Why is this position open?" or "How would you describe the culture of your organization?" are appropriate. Wait for the employer to bring up any salary questions, however. Check out the information below on negotiating for more information on salary issues.

Although the format of the interview will vary with the type being conducted and the person doing the interviewing, the basic structure of a job interview is fairly standard. Look over What to Expect in an Interview before your first interview.

Practice

The person who gets hired is not necessarily the best-qualified individual but the person who most effectively presents his or her skills. It's one thing to think about what you are going to say and another thing to actually say it and receive feedback. Practicing your answers aloud with a friend or family member can be very helpful.

You can also schedule a practice interview with a career coach in the CEC - see the information below to schedule an appointment. If you do meet with a coach, review the Guidelines for Practice Interviews before your meeting.

During the Interview

Managing Your Professional Image

Dress Appropriately

The outfit you choose to wear won't get you the job, but it could limit your chances of getting an offer. An interviewer's attention should be on what you say, not what you are wearing. A conservative choice keeps the focus on you. Tailored suits for men and conservative suits or dresses for women are good choices. Take cues from the work environment for variations on that theme. For example, a classic navy suit would be a good choice for a conservative financial firm, while a softly-tailored dress or sports coat and tie would be appropriate for the more informal atmosphere of a human services agency.

Review the Professional Dress document, which includes photographs of appropriate outfits, for suggestions.

Show Interest Non-verbally

The language you choose to create a positive impression is not always spoken. Remember these key tips when heading into an interview - over time they will become second nature:

Requests for References

Usually employers do not ask for references until later in the interview process. However, you should prepare a list of references as part of your job search preparation. See References - Guidelines & Format for more information.

After the Interview

Following up

Always make a favorable impression by sending a thank you note within 24 hours of your interview. A thank you note is an opportunity to restate your interest in the position and convey your understanding of next steps in the process. See the information on thank you notes on the Write a Job Search Letter page.

Negotiating

Negotiation is the process in which two parties come to an agreement concerning the terms and conditions under which they are willing to do business. Negotiating involves using good communication skills - listening and speaking - as well as the ability to avoid making a false assumption about what the other party wants or is thinking.

While many aspects of the job, such as benefits and start date, may be negotiated, most students are concerned with salary. The question, "What are you looking for in terms of salary?" is not a signal to begin negotiating. The negotiating begins when you have actually been made a job offer.

Meet with a Career Coach about Interviewing or Negotiation

A coach can help you develop your interview skills, including doing a practice interview with you and critiquing your performance afterward. Videotaping and critique are also available. Similarly, when you prepare and practice you can improve your negotiation skills as well.

After reviewing the above, if you feel you could benefit from the expertise of a CEC career coach in preparing to interview or negotiate, contact the CEC to set up an appointment with a coach.

For More Information

Learn more about interviewing and negotiating through the following resources:

Webinar - View the Interviewing webinar and learn how to prepare for the interview and answer interview questions.

Interview questions specific to a profession may sometimes be found through professional associations' websites or specialized job boards. Look over the job search links on the Career Guides for your Discipline

InterviewStream is the premier provider of video interviewing technology. You can complete pre-recorded video mock interviews that are tailored to help you prepare for your future. To create your account:Visit this page and click Log in at the top right of the screen. To register as a new user click Register, enter your registration information and click Register.

CEC Services for Alums

Each year, hundreds of alumnae/i use the Career Education Center. If you are in the early stages of your career and evaluating career choices, or in mid- to later-career and considering a change, the CEC is a great resource for you. Let us help you succeed!

Career Toolkit for Alums

The purpose of the Career Toolkit is to assist you in your career planning. Whether you are unsure of your career direction or need help with your job search or with applying to graduate school, you will find the resources you need to begin your preparation.